We’re born creative, but we don’t stay that way.
All children are naturally imaginative. They ask questions, explore without fear, and think in ways that adults often can’t. But research shows that between the ages of 8 to 14, many children begin to lose their creative spark. This drop, sometimes called the “creative cliff,” is fueled by a mix of factors: rigid education systems, fear of failure, screen distraction, and social pressure to “get practical and get things right” rather than explore what’s possible1.
By the time students reach high school or adulthood, many no longer see themselves as creative at all. A 2010 study published in Newsweek found that since the 1990s, American creativity scores, particularly in younger children, have been in steady decline2. The trend has only worsened in the digital age3.
The problem isn’t talent, it’s practice.
Adults today face constant demands for innovative thinking, but few feel equipped for it. Whether in the workplace, in parenting, or in navigating daily life, creative problem solving is a skill that’s expected but rarely nurtured. According to a 2020 World Economic Forum report, creativity is one of today’s top five most in-demand job skills, yet employers struggle to find candidates who are confident in their creative abilities4.
This isn’t about art. (Art is simply a medium of creativity.) It’s about adaptability, empathy, and innovation. Without creativity, we’re less capable of imagining solutions to climate change, building more inclusive systems, or preparing young people for the workplace of the future.
Creativity is essential to our future.
We’re facing global challenges that require more than memorized facts or technical skills. The future demands curious thinkers, bold makers, and flexible problem-solvers. Creativity fuels progress; it’s the engine behind every breakthrough and the heart of human potential.
The good news? Creativity can be (re)cultivated at any age. It’s not a gift you’re either born with or not. It’s a mindset, a practice, and a way of seeing the world. But like any muscle, it needs care, activation, and room to grow.
One answer to the crisis.
At The Center, we’re working to restore creativity as an accessible and vital part of everyday life. Through versatile spaces, hands-on programming, and cross-generational learning, we’re building a new model for how creativity can be discovered, grown, and shared.
Footnote:
- Robinson, K. (2006). Do Schools Kill Creativity? [TED Talk].
- Bronson, P., & Merryman, A. (2010). The Creativity Crisis. Newsweek.
- Haidt, J. (2024). The Anxious Generation
- World Economic Forum. (2020). Future of Jobs Report.
- Land, G., & Jarman, B. (1993). Breakpoint and Beyond: Mastering the Future Today. HarperBusiness.
